A north London mental health centre has been renamed in memory of a psychiatrist who gave 30 years of dedicated service to patients.

From this week, the Fore Street Mental Health Centre in Enfield will be known as The Lucas Building, reflecting the contribution of Richard Lucas, who died last summer, aged 65.

The renaming was the idea of staff and patients of the Muswell Hill Synagogue member, who was awarded an OBE in 2003 for medical services. His widow Lynne was among the 100 people at a ceremony on Monday afternoon.

“This is an overwhelming gesture,” Mrs Lucas said afterwards. “I am really touched that my husband’s work in the centre has been recorded in this way. The OBE was for his career achievements but this is a lasting memory to everything he achieved and all the patients he cared for — and who appreciated being under his care.”

A Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust official said: “Dr Lucas’s approach to psychiatry epitomised much of what we are trying to achieve for our patients.

“He was a great team player and encouraged people to achieve their full potential. He always saw the person first, not the disease.”